India, with its varied geographical divisions and culture, ushers in the New Year for people in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. It is called by various names in different parts of the states down south. Among the few legends associated with Ugadi, there is one pertaining to Lord Brahma that is widely popular. It is believed that Lord Brahma began creating the world on this day and Ugadi refers specifically to the Yuga in which the current generation lives, i.e. the Kalyug.
Spring cleaning is carried out and the house is decorated with rangolis, new clothes and everything vibrant to commemorate the spring season. On Gudi Padwa, the spring-time beginnings for Maharashtrians is welcomed with a sumptuous feast that includes Puri-Shrikhand and Puran Poli.
Telugus observe Ugadi with elaborate preparations among which Ugadi Pachchadi, made with jaggery, neem leaves, tamarind and spices, is offered to the idol of the house as naivedyam.
Konkani and Kannada Hindus refer to it as Yugadi and the Sindhi community celebrates this day as Cheti Chand and is observed as the emergence day of Lord Jholelaal. Prayers are offered to Lord Jholelaal and the festival is celebrated by making delicacies like Tehri (sweet rice) and Saai Bhaaji (Spinach made in dal). It is also celebrated in the North-East state of Manipur as Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba. People cook an array of delicacies on this day and later climb the hillocks in the evening.
Considered very auspicious to commence new projects, Ugadi also ushers in spring and the harvest season. Women wear opulent clothes during this day such as brocade sarees like Uppada, Chanderi, Jamdani or Kanjivaram in rich colors with thick gold zari borders.
As March is also the month to celebrate womanhood, we bring you some festive saris, in which an Indian woman’s grace is highlighted by its weave and texture. It is customary for people to shop massively during the month of March and April.
Ring in the New Year with a beautiful collection of Handloom KanchiPattu Sarees from Avishya.com. The company has the widest range of handloom sarees available online, starting from traditional classics like temple borders and multicolor checks to the very contemporary borderless sarees. These sarees are sourced directly from weavers in Kanchipuram and each saree in this beautiful range takes anywhere between 2-4 weeks to make. In addition to Kanchis, Avishya.com also has a beautiful collection of Banarasi Silk Sarees, Gadwals and Uppada Silks.
Mr. Jawahar Singh, co-founder and CEO of Avishya says: “This Ugadi festival season, Avishya.com has put together an exciting new line of Pure Zari Kanchipuram Silk sarees called Hamsadhvani. Customers can choose from over 500 Kanchi Silk Sarees online at Avishya.” In addition, Avishya’s exclusive custom tailoring service for saree blouses has been introduced for the Ugadi season. So, customers can order their blouses online along with the saree and wear a brand-new saree on Ugadi day.
Picture courtesy: Avishya, Pixabay and Gita Hari
